Home Decor: Sheep Skin Rug

photo via Ikea

There's nothing more comforting than the perfect clean space with excellent decor. The lighting, colors, space and equipment plays an important role. As much as I love fashion and studying designers and touching and feeling garments thats probably worth almost the price of my belongings, home decor is as essential as a fully fledged trendy ensemble. I cannot function or produce anything in cluster and the size of a space does not determine how clustered a space really is. The Chic Notebook  think its fair to bring you a few pieces that will add character to your space. Be excited for a few of our most stylist yet affordable additions...

Sheep Skin Rugs

This cozy fluffed piece is perfect for both living room and bedroom floors. I love this piece and can see it on my floors and for $39.99 it's totally worth it. PETA supporters don't miss out on this fun piece, you can shop around for faux rugs as well.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the first home decor pick! Shop for this IKEA Sheep Skin Rug HERE...  

Chic Obsession: Red Bags

While feeding into my wildly obsessive street style hunt for daily inspirations I stumbled on the blog Style Sighting  and immediately fell in love. While browsing one thing caught my attention. Fashion is much more than mixing and matching outfits. Its sometimes the little most simplistic things that count. So maneuvering this battered cursor through the photos on this site I came across a recurring trend with bold bags. Not that it's new, but in some ways we need to be mindful that no matter how minimal an outfit maybe a funky shoe or bold colored handbag (for instance these red bags) can add character to the look.

So with that being said we've scouted a few choices for you from ASOS.COM  

photos via Style Sightings and Asos.

Holiday Beauty Inspiration: Metallic Lips

The holidays are slowly approaching I am trying to find as much style and beauty inspiration for the season as I possibly can. I'm sure readers are doing the same for the upcoming holiday parties, Scorpio/Sagittarius or Capricorn birthdays, a night out on the town with Santa and his elves( or maybe just your girlfriends), dinner, shows e.t.c. Its one of the most wonderful times of the year therefore we're required to have the most fabulous holiday style and makeup ideas. The Chic Notebook  will be giving you readers much inspiration for the approaching holiday season. 

Its rare to find lipsticks with a naturally vintage look and feel to it. So when I saw this model from Rodarte's Spring 2010 collection on TeenVogue my thoughts were that it is probably less wearable but with the perfect pigment, pout, hair and makeup as well as the head to toe ensemble it can totally work. 

gold metallic lips

Here are some beauty products you should consider...

Interview: Tasha Robinson of Imperfect Concepts

How thrilled will you be if you found out that affordable offers from some of everyone's favorite high end designers are literally right at your finger tips? Intelligence, a sense of style and a unique approach to conquering an online niche made it all possible. Allow me to introduce you to Tasha Robinson the owner the  luxurious online boutique Imperfect Concepts. The Chic Notebook held an exclusive Q & A with the style savvy entrepreneur and business owner for an insight on the background of her boutique, what's trendy as well as an inside scoop and advice on making and breaking it in online fashion retail.

The Chic-Report is going to IFB Conference!

 The Chic-Report will be attending Independent Fashion Blogger's conference on Thursday at the Hudson Hotel. This will be the first day of New York Fashion Week and Nicholas K will be the second on the roaster. Can't miss his show so I will be running late to the conference. However if you're attending and IFB's conference please reach out, I would be thrilled to meet you. Follow me on twitter @TheChic_Report and let me know if you're coming!

Visit IFB for more details...

Style Inspiration for Labor Day Weekend.

We're approaching another long holiday weekend. Another official stamp that the days of summer are slowly winding down and with back to school, work and all other "to-do's", this may be the last time we get to wear a fully fledged summer outfit. After all we can still mix our summer pieces with a few fall stamples. Sanaa Lathan (one of my favorite actresses by the way) was spotted in LA and although she's wearing the simplest pieces they're also cute and comfortable and ofcourse on trend.

The Chic Report Is Moving!!!

Hi Readers,

Really quick! I want to take this time to thank every one of you for checking/visiting/reading TCR blog for the past few months. The comments, feedback and support is so overwhelming and I'm excited about our next mission. New domain, new host, new contributors, new marketing tools e.t.c.

I will be saying bye-bye to blogger but I'm moving with my blogger family. SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. (Upper Right Of The Page) or send an email to thechicreport@yahoo.com for all inquiries. You guys have been great and so supportive!!!

TCR blog will be a new online source for style/beauty tips, image consulting, home decor, new runway trends, lifestyle as well as exclusive industry info. Our new custom word press blog will contain a monthly fashion feature with a spotlight on independent designers (clothing/jewelry) and a profile on the most style savvy celebrities. I will keep you updated on the new blog launch...

September 6th 2010.

Thanks

Concert Chic

Its Summer Summer Summer time, and its time to pull out the brights. There are so many free concerts going on around NYC and I'm sure there are in your city as well. If you're going to dance and enjoy yourself then why not wear something cute and comfortable? Cropped tee's, cut off shorts, rompers, graphic sunglasses, bright fushcia makeup and accessories are in. Let this set be your inspiration for the next concert in the park. Central Park and Prospect Park are live this summer dont forget to check it out if you're in the Tri state area.

Kelly Cutrone's "If you have to cry GO OUTSIDE...And other things your mother never told you..."

Fall collections 2009 my first fashion week ever working behind the scenes. Train traffic is seriously driving my nerves in full gear. I've seen The Hills, now I'm about to go to work for the same PR extraordinaire who made Lauren Conrad cry and would tell you like it is in an instant without hesitating. Here I'm I all decked in black, Chanel inspired clutch on my side (ALDO), 4 inch heels, black on black ensemble with golden bedazzling accessories, and the most stylish pair of stockings from American Apparel. The Davidelfin / Peoples Revolution show was one of my first shows at the NY Fashion Week tents. Blackberry in hand and a piece of paper with an off sight address the other, hair bouncing from my fresh blow out. I felt like the ultimate NYC Fashion chick. It was all happening I felt great except my nerves were uncontrollable. The venue must have been at an atelier between 11th and 12 ave there was no way I'd make it in these heels plus my new Steve Madden's were not for running. Hopped on what had to be the best cab driver in the city who considerately dashed across the avenues so I can make my call time. Its 1:53 made it to the venue and now I'm collecting my credentials... Thank God!!! This could have been the beginning and the end of my fashion career but I made call time!!! I'm a nervous wreck but its time to get it together, I'm ready to work with the Peoples Rev team front of house getting directions from miss Kelly Cutrone herself and although I'm attentive I kept saying in the back of my mind. "I like her! She's not mean...she has the mind of a business woman". Her drive was unbelievable! When she spoke directly at me for sitting directions as inspiration showered me. Go on Kelly you have a show to produce! Fast forward to January 2010 walking in to my Fashion PR and Events Planning class and Kelly Cutrone "Kell On Earth" was the main discussion every Tuesday, that's when I decided I'd give this book a read. I started reading yesterday and I must say this is a GREAT book. I wont give anything away until my official book review (as soon as I'm done reading). Until then find yourself at the nearest book store and pick up a copy. She has a story to tell!

Comment below and Thanks for visiting!!!

Happy Mothers Day

Until we're grown we never know or fully realise.

How sweet and kind a mother is, how gentle and how wise.

We simply take for granted from day to passing day each sacrifice she makes for us in her own loving way.

And then we grow and finally learn the way that children do,

how much her love has really meant,

how thoughtful she has been to.

and so this comes with all the thanks that you deserve and more.

For there is not a dearer mother than the one this greeting is for.

Happy Mothers Day to all The Chic Report readers that are Moms or Moms to be!

:-)

The City: Fashion and Fun!!!

"Give me them bright lights long nights!!! Party till the sun is Rising"...

When Whitney Port first decided to leave The Hills it didn't phase me much. I mean we never got to see her personal side on the show, it was always at dinner or at work for Whit so I really didn't think I'd miss her much. It wasn't until the following season I felt the brunt of missing Whitney on the show. She was always the focused one, goal oriented and smart and quiet the most decent side kick Lauren Conrad ever had (well, at least on the show). As much as I missed Whitney on The Hills I wasnt to fond of the whole idea of "The City". What could the Whitney we all knew from "The Hills" bring to the screen for a highly rated show? Neitherless I really got into the first season and started liking the show. (Note to self: Add one more show to my "To Watch" list). Now we're on season 3 and avid followers like myself must admit that we cant get enough of The City clan. Okay maybe I'm a little over Olivia shady ways, but her sense of style wins over everything. Finally theres a reality show on tv that I can relate to. An inside scoop on the fashion industry...stuff you can't learn in school but through experience is on a tv screen. Ok... ok... Blah Blah Blah! Did you see the season premier last week? "The fashions" were so exciting... Whitney's style has elevated since her tv debut, I couldnt help but gush over every sense. And Olivia's style is just impeccable.

Olivia Palermo (Elle Accessories Editor)

I've created this set for anyone trying to incoperate Olivia and Whitney's style to their daily wardrobe. Hope this serves as inspiration for you to look your best! Whitney is best known for her comfortable pastel staples and Olivia is more glam.

Hope you enjoy this post!

Comment below...I want to hear your thoughts!

Letter From The Editor??? <---- Cute Title!

Hey Readers!
Just a quick note...First off quick apology for the delay in posts!!! Good news always makes me happy so I'm sure it will have the same effect on you. The blog is definately growing in numbers and readers right before my eyes...I've taken then next step and I'm extremely happy to announce that in a few hours the new official domain will be in effect. I'm trying to boost the image of the blog so this is step ONE! Thank You to everyone who keeps coming back to show your support. Be excited because I will be posting daily... As far as the scheduling thats TBA but I just want to say Thank You for now and that you should keep coming back for fun. The OFFICIAL website (new layout and banner) is coming shortly after.

Thanks Everyone for your ongoing support of The Chic Report!

I'm also open for constructive critisim so you guys can always request content and leave me feedback!

INTERVIEW: JEWELRY DESIGNER SUE TSAI

(Wide Gold Cuff with Leaf Imprints)

One doesn't expect too much from a young entrepreneur who has a pocket full of aspirations, determination and drive but jewelry designer Sue Tsai is about to give us a definite reality check. I'm always inspired by any woman who can sing every word of " Independent Woman" like it was a personal letter from them to Destiny's Child. I embrace everything in the name of talent and enthusiasm this is why its a pleasure to feature Jewelry Designer Sue Tsai on The Chic Report. Not only does MTV reality stars and footwear designers Vanessa and Angela Simmons love wearing her jewelry (check TEENVOGUE March 2010 issue "Style Blogger"pg 80), she's sponsors events (including Vanessa Simmons birthday party) and has been selected to participate in the Emmy gift bagging suite. Congrats! Tsai has combined her love for fashion and a handfull of tremendous talent to create an exceedingly fabulous line and will soon release an exclusive high end collection "Signature" by Sue Tsai. Her jewelry line offers pieces in a wide selection of flirty accessories everything from bands, bows, beads and crystals adds edge and exudes girlish elegance. As determined and talented as she is, Sue Tsai will undoubtedly continue flourishing in her spotlight not only as a designer but as inspiration for the up and coming young professionals. Read her interview with The Chic Report below...

These are the black bands in which first started Sue Tsai Designs and became widely popular. They come in almost every color and combination and people mix and match them to create a set of bangles. They are 14k gold filled with swarovski crystal, gold beads & charms, and have a rubber tubing over memory wire. They are flexible.

Vanessa Simmons wearing her own mixed match set of Black Bands out in LA.


This is a set called Bamboo Vermeil Bangles.

These are large crystal beaded bracelets that tie together with an oversized bow that come in 3 different color combinations.

One of a kind Rose Ring, hand-made, 14k gold and swarovski crystal with a coral cut rose

The Chic Report: Who is Sue Tsai?

The world will soon find out :)

The Chic Report: What inspired you to start your own business?
Sue Tsai: From a young age I've always been exposed to art as both of my parents are designers. Designing is something that I want to do for the rest of my life and in order to do that I have to make money doing it. I love fashion and I've always made jewelry and clothes for myself. I took the next step and want to share that with everyone else. That's why I started my line.


The Chic Report: You've worked with designers/reality stars Vanessa and Angela
Simmons, are there any other celebrities that you would like to wear
your pieces?

Sue Tsai: I really love Rihanna and Keri Hilson's style. Look out for them to be wearing the pieces soon. But I dont want only celebrities to wear my pieces, its for everybody. I wish everyone could be my personal accessory barbie and I could just decorate them from head to arm in my stuff! haha

The Chic Reporter: Did you face any hurdles while building your brand and how were you able to overcome them?

Sue Tsai: As with accomplishing anything in life, there are going to be hurdles. I feel like you don't deserve your accomplishments unless you worked hard to get there and your perseverance has been tested. Honestly, most of my hurdles have been more mental than physical. All of the finance, labor, and time hurdles I've faced are nothing to me, they're just a part of the plan. As much as I hate to say it, the worst is dealing with haters; people who cant stand to see someone else on their way to success and constantly try to bring them down. But you know what, they're not really hurdles, more like stepping stones. Gotta step on them to climb to the top. Ha

The Chic Report: True...So tell us how do you perfect your craft as a designer? For instance, did you go to school for accessory design?

Sue Tsai: I actually went to school for marketing not design. A lot of my technical skills I've picked up from my parents. I believe that design and creativity is not something that can be taught, only technicalities. I decided to study marketing because I believed that was going to be the most applicable major for my business. I had no problems designing and making the jewelry, I just had to learn how to sell it.

The Chic Report: Just by reading your tweets I see that you travel alot, what does
your working day / week look like?

Sue Tsai: I'm usually away on the weekends for trade shows. In the past 3 months I've done shows in LA, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Sarasota, and Philadelphia. During the week I'm in the studio making new pieces or in the office shipping out orders. I think I spend more time in the air than on the ground though. You wouldn't believe my frequent flyer mileage.


The Chic Report: Without giving away too much, what other projects are you currently working on?
Sue Tsai: I just recently finished designing a jewelry line for a popular clothing line. I can't tell you which one until it comes out, so I guess you're going to have to wait and see. Rite now, I'm working on my new high end line. These pieces are all one of a kind and less commercial. I've always been making them for individual custom orders but I want to be able to sell them while keeping them exclusive. I'm really excited about this line, its called Signature by Sue Tsai and the only person who's seen the pieces are my mom haha. I'm having the launch event early May, so be on the look out.

The Chic Report: Where do you see your business Sue Tsai Designs in the next 5 years?
Sue Tsai: I'm going to take over the world. (evil laugh)


The Chic Report: Lol, So where can interested readers find out more about your business Sue Tsai Designs?
Sue Tsai: They can check out my website www.SueTsaiDesigns.com or read more about me at www.SueTsai.com. I tweet a lot so if they want to get to know me on a more personal basis they can follow me on twitter at @SueTsai (parental discretion advised ha)

The ChicReport: Congrats with the success of your line and keep up the great work.
Sue Tsai: Thank you so much, I appreciate it. Hope both of us can continue to work together on our journey to the top.

Definately... Thank You for your time!

http://www.suetsaidesigns.com/

www.twitter.com/SueTsai

Hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I did...dont forget to comment!

Fall/ Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week

The season of fashionable fun and madness is finally here and while the V.I.P's of the industry are pulling looks from their closet and dusting off their loubi's (louboutins) to get ready for the events, design teams and their PR people are working hard getting their lists and last minute alterations together . For those of you who do not know what New York Fashion Week means to the style savvy then you must be living under a rock and need to get in the know NOW! Fashion Week is an INVITE ONLY event where designers showcase their latest collections in front of buyers, press, stylists and celebrities. It is not open to the public nor is it a ticketed event and apart from runway shows and presentations there are celeb studded industry parties and networking events all over New York City. This is my third season at Fashion Week and I'm a few seasons in, of following this fabulous event. I'm excited to see so many new designers debut and the return of the greats. Magazines, blogs, newspapers and other press outlets are on the stand by for reviewing runway looks and designs were so cordial this season by releasing sketches and their inspirations for the coming collections. My favorite designers during Fashion Week are too numerous to mention because they all bring something different to the industry and never seem to disappoint the style savvy. I'm especially excited for Marc Jacobs, Altrazara, Anna Sui, Issac Mizrahi, Phillip Lim as well as the fun brand like Tracy Resse, Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller and BCBG. Here are a few sketches and inspirations for the upcoming collections, these few days ahead are promised to be exciting...

Max Azria

G-Star




DKNY - Donna Karan New York


PORTS 1961

Tracy Reese

An eclectic mix of urban and rural style makes for a very modern yet infinitely wearable fall 2010 collection. Rustic Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by cosmetic toned lingerie and made cozy by soft alpaca sweaters.” –Tracy Reese, (Designer)

Rebecca Taylor

"The fall 2010 collection was inspired by a mixture of 70's Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl. With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs. The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold. Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality ".

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller is definately stepping out of her comfort zone with A line dresses and venturing into more male inspired chic ensembles this season. Love it...

Eli Tahari

"My fall 2010 collection is homage to the great women who traveled the globe in style." – Designer, Elie Tahari

Milly

“For my fall collection, the artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank are my inspiration, in a combination of luxe fabrics, clever techniques and cool attitude.” – Michelle Smith, Designer

This is my third season at Fashion Week and although I am not doing press coverage, I will however be doing front and back of house assignments and red carpet. My mission for Spring 2010/2011 collections (hopefully in Lincoln center) is to cover a few shows for Chic Report. Who knows I may be sitting front row one day. :-)

Trend Alert: Foot-Ball Chic

Its Monday night only a few hours post the grand superbowl festivities and I'm checking in with some chic news. Its no surprise that the latest "in-thing" is to raid the closet of your close male friend, wear his bland staples and style it up a notch. Lets try to stay away from his boxers and undershirts and focus on his old tees, sweats/cardigans and blouses, something oversized, cute and casual. If he gives you full permission to keep these clothes then its time to get creative. Cut off sweaters shoulders or waste area and show off that toned stomach. Wearing pieces especially designed for men should look effortless, to prevent the cost of a fashion faux pas, so it is important that you stick to one piece unless you're really good at layering. During the warm seasons I see girls pull off the look from head to toe and with my little experience in retail women actually shop in the guys section for pieces. Is it that guys clothing are cooler than what's late in womens wear? or nowadays women have graduated from form fitting casual ensembles to the relaxed "if i were a boy" inspired look? If you follow trends as much as I do then you will see a similar thread between whats on the runway and everyday street style. If you dont and you are a guy with a very versatile, chic or stylish wardrobe take my advice and get a lock and key for your closet and keep your jewlery especially snake skin belts in a safe. The ladies are style hungry for whatever they can find in your closet and desperately they dont really care how many times its been worn as long as its in good condition they will surely rock it! The mens-closet-raid epedmic is getting even crutial and creative as the seasons prolong. Alexander Wangs 2010 Spring collection was inspired by football gear and took the risk of sending his models down the runway in oversized everything in the typical male undertone hues. This look made a TOUCHDOWN in industry's news and Im glad to see fashionistas joining the football chic bangwagon and breaking the status quo....

Looks from Alexander Wang Spring 2010 collection

Alexander Burke former X factor winner on the set of her music video for "Broken Heels".

Hope you enjoyed the post and Congrats the the New Orleans Saints for winning the SuperBowl and inspiring this post...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! !!

From

CHIC REPORT!!!

May GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Joy! Happiness! and Well Wishes to you!

Thank You for Reading Chic Report and supporting this effort!

We've been blessed with the gift of Growth and Prosperity!

May Your Day Be Merry And Bright!

Model Jourdan Dunn's New Baby Boy

Perhaps you've seen her walking the runways of world renowned designers and recently graced the cover of Teen Vogue with model pal Chanel Iman.... well great news! The British beauty Jordan Dunn gave birth to her baby boy yesterday three months after walking the Jean Paul Gautier show in Paris looking maternity chic. No word on whether or not Jourdan will be walking the Fall 2010 shows but I'm super excited that she's back. Congrats Jourdan on your delivery.

My Vintage Inspiration

Lately I've been falling in love with everything vintage. Bits and pieces of vintage clothing and accessories here and there will give you the ultimate look du jour. Lets raid our grand parents closet! Here are pieces I'm inspired by ...

Argyle + Mixed Patterns and Prints

Exaggerated / Oversized Pearls and Metalics

The Denim Shirt

Just incase you didnt get that --- Im inspired by Denim Shirts, Argyle + Mixed Prints + Fades Denim + Oxford / Tux + Anything Retro funky!